“Did you see that house over there?” I ask. That is Case Study House #18 also known as the West House. It stands as a testament to mid-century modern design. We are in Pacific Palisades overlooking the ocean. Case Study House #18 is one of four houses built here on Chautauqua Boulevard. These houses were part of Arts & Architecture magazine’s Case Study House program.
Rodney Walker designed Case Study House #18. Construction finished in 1948. The West House occupies 1600 square feet. Inside there is a living-dining room, a garden room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Walker made sure to orient the public areas. This provides amazing ocean views through floor-to-ceiling glass panels.
The structure uses wood framing at three-foot intervals. This design choice promoted economy and efficiency. A striking feature is the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. It is faced with copper. The roof rises to eleven feet around the fireplace. This creates space for clerestory windows. The fireplace is double-sided. One side faces the living room. The other side faces the garden room. Many glass walls are sliding panels. They open to outdoor terraces.
The site offers unobstructed views to the south and east. The primary view is to the south. This maximizes light and warmth. The west elevation features floor-to-ceiling glazing. This offers unobstructed ocean views.
Only three owners have lived in Case Study House #18. The first owner made some changes. They converted a service yard into a bedroom. One bedroom became a den. They also added a half-bath. However original features remain. The two-sided fireplace is still there. The indoor-outdoor garden room is also intact.
The house is the only Case Study House in the area designed to capture ocean views. When you walk in the front door you are greeted with openness. You immediately see the lawn and the view. It’s perfect for entertaining.
Living here you get ocean air and views. The beach is a ten-minute walk away. Historically people in entertainment bought these properties. Directors and producers were often the owners. Sam Simon co-creator of “The Simpsons” once owned a nearby Neutra Case Study House. Case Study House #18 is a rare gem. It combines high design with stunning ocean views. Its history and architecture make it a significant landmark.